The World Cup is reaching the business end of the tournament with millions of viewers having tuned into the action across the UK. The BBC and ITV have been sharing the rights, with England’s quarter-final clash with Norway on July 11 shown on ITV.
BBC's approach: staying in Salford
Instead of making the trip to North America, the BBC elected to present games from their immersive studio in Salford. The decision was made with financial and environmental considerations in mind, aiming to keep costs for the expanded 48-team tournament to a minimum while reducing its carbon footprint.
BBC output is fronted by presenters Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan. They replaced Gary Lineker as co-hosts of Match of the Day last year, making this the first major men's tournament since 2002 without Lineker on presenting duties. Logan is expected to present the World Cup final, becoming the first woman to host the BBC's coverage of the biggest game in men's football.
BBC pundits and commentators
Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney and Micah Richards are joined by England legends Joe Hart, Steph Houghton and Ellen White. International pundits include Olivier Giroud, Gael Clichy and Cesar Azpilicueta, while former Brentford and Tottenham manager Thomas Frank offers extra expertise.
Guy Mowbray is the lead commentator, commentating on England's games alongside Shearer as co-commentator. Other commentators include Steve Wilson, Steve Bower, Jonathan Pearce, Robyn Cowen, Steven Wyeth, Liam McLeod, Danny Murphy, Stephen Warnock, Efan Ekoku, Martin Keown, Sue Smith, Rachel Corsie, James McFadden and Paul Robinson.
ITV's approach: based in Brooklyn
ITV, on the other hand, has been based in Brooklyn, New York, with their studio boasting views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge. Coverage is fronted by the popular duo of Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods.
ITV pundits and commentators
Roy Keane and Gary Neville are the standout personalities on ITV's punditry line-up, alongside Ian Wright, Patrick Vieira and Karen Carney. Former Tottenham and Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou and current US Women's manager Emma Hayes have also shared their views from a coach's perspective.
The commentary team is led by Sam Matterface, Jon Champion and Seb Hutchinson, with Ally McCoist among the co-commentators. Matterface commentates on England's games alongside former Three Lions player Lee Dixon. Other commentators include Joe Speight, Andros Townsend, Lucy Ward and referee analyst Christina Unkel.
